Hey guys, could someone help me identifying a mannlicher, I found it locally. On the tag it says Australian Mauser and the rifle is marked Stoeger with the Steyr target and nothing else. No steyr mannlicher on the receiver like I have seen on others. It’s chambered in 6.5x… here is a pic. Just wondering which model it is/ good price. Any help is appreciated!
The third rifle from the left is a Mannlicher Schoenauer.
They are Austrian (not Australian), are
not Mausers, and are highly desirable.
Mausers after the M1871 had bolts which close behind the rear receiver ring, all true Mannlicher Schoenauers have bolt handles which ride through a 'split bridge', closing in front of rear ring with bolt handle and 'rib' acting as a strong third lug. The center mounted bolt handle also provides superior balance and smoothness to the action. The Schoenauer rotary magazine is vastly superior to 'box' magazines and, if fed with cartridges of proper (original) profile, is absolutely flawless and simply cannot jam.
The photograph shows the distinctive 'swept back' bolt handle of M1952 (GK) and later models, white line spacers, but not much else.
All Mannlicher Schoenauers are quite valuable and desirable if original, unmodified, and in good condition. The 6.5X54 chambering is highly sought after. If the shop owner does not know what it is, you may be looking at a serious bargain.
If the stock 'comb' is straight, it is an M1952. Later models were the MC (Monte Carlo stock) and MCA (Monte Carlo Amerikanische stock), as well as Model NO (special orders).
Stoeger was the U.S. retailer. Here are some period Stoeger Catalog images to guide:
Here are images of rear receiver ring stampings for M1952, MC, MCA:
To add to potential confusion, during the late 1950s / early 1960s, other designations were stamped in the same location of 'Mod 1956', 'Mod 1961' and others to denote the models through various years.
On MS prior to 1925, the model designations were cartridge specific; M1903 was 6.5X54, M1905 - 9X56, M1908 - 8X56, M1910 - 9.5X57, M1924 - .30-'06. Those models did not have the 'Kaliber' marked on the receiver ring, only the model number.
The M1924 had a longer receiver than previous models and a retaining ring added to the Schoenauer rotary magazine which allowed for a wider variance of chambering. Rifles marketed by Stoeger as 'High Velocity' were chambered for several cartridges and had the 'Kaliber' marked on receiver ring rather than any model number.
Post WW2 production resumed with Model 1950 which was initially only chambered for 6.5X54, then for several cartridges as time progressed. The 'Kaliber' was stamped below model designation. M1950 had bolt handle which pointed straight downward as on 'prewar' models. M1952 introduced the angled bolt handle as the rifle in your image.
To identify, go back to the shop and look at the stock 'comb' as well as receiver ring stampings.
I'll watch this thread and advise.
